Curtea de Arges Monastery
Curtea de Arges Monastery
Curtea de Arges Monastery
4.5
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
402 reviews
Excellent
253
Very good
118
Average
27
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Fane Babanul
Rishon Lezion, Israel2,080 contributions
Sep 2022
This is an ancient, but perfectly maintained monastery church, perhaps the most important of Romania.
The garden is magnificent, and the intricately carved bizantine exterior.
It's the resting place of nmany Walachia voivodes.
Beautiful, lively frescoes and icons.
The garden is magnificent, and the intricately carved bizantine exterior.
It's the resting place of nmany Walachia voivodes.
Beautiful, lively frescoes and icons.
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiberiu_Baranyi
Timisoara, Romania18,192 contributions
Aug 2022
Curtea de Arges - church/cathedral and monastery - build in the early 1500's is an architectural masterpiece of the Wallachian architecture of the middle ages, a place of worship and necropolis of old a recent kings ...
Build between 1515 and 1517 by the order of king Neagoie Basarab - his tomb is also to be found inside the church , today the Romanian Kings and Queens of the Hohenzollern house are buried here - either in the old 500 years old church either in the "new" church , built recently and the entrance serves as a necropolis - the tomb of the last Romanian king , Michael I , is also here.
Also this church is a place of legend , it is said that the builder of the church had to sacrifice his wife, by casting her in stone tomb inside the one of the walls of the church (before that, whatever they built during the day, came crumbling down during the nights) , so the master builder has put his wife inside the walls and entombing here there and after this the construction progressed. The final resting place of Ana (that was the name of the master's wife) is marked with a red mark on the outside wall.
(the legend about the "last flight" of the builders I let you discover yourself).
Overall an interesting place, loaded with history and legends , definitely worth of visiting.
Build between 1515 and 1517 by the order of king Neagoie Basarab - his tomb is also to be found inside the church , today the Romanian Kings and Queens of the Hohenzollern house are buried here - either in the old 500 years old church either in the "new" church , built recently and the entrance serves as a necropolis - the tomb of the last Romanian king , Michael I , is also here.
Also this church is a place of legend , it is said that the builder of the church had to sacrifice his wife, by casting her in stone tomb inside the one of the walls of the church (before that, whatever they built during the day, came crumbling down during the nights) , so the master builder has put his wife inside the walls and entombing here there and after this the construction progressed. The final resting place of Ana (that was the name of the master's wife) is marked with a red mark on the outside wall.
(the legend about the "last flight" of the builders I let you discover yourself).
Overall an interesting place, loaded with history and legends , definitely worth of visiting.
Written November 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melvin F
Kefar Sava, Israel121 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
Located in the town of Curtea de Arges, Romania in the district of Wallachia or Walachia, or present day Agres county is one of Europe's most beautiful monasteries.
The Curtea de Arges Monastery, Cathedral and Episcopalian Bishop's residence is a must visit if you are interested in beautiful architecture. Especially if you are interested in religious architecture. The Curtea de Arges Monastery is considered by many as one of the most beautiful monasteries in Romania, if not in all of Europe.
The monastery was founded in the early 16th century by Neagoe Basarab. Vlad Dracul (yes the same one who the Dracula myth is based around) built the primacy of Muntenia here between 1437-1439. Neagoe Basarab pulled down these walls in 1512 and rebuilt the monastery between 1514 and 1517 and was done by the legendary Mesterul Manole (Kőműves Kelemen). A legend relates that Prince Radu Negru employed a Meşterul Manole or Manoli as architect. With Manole being unable to finish the walls, the prince threatened him and his assistants with death. At last Manole suggested that they should follow the ancient custom of placing a living woman into the foundations to ensure completing the building. The story tells that she who first appeared on the following morning should be the victim. The other masons and workers warned their families. Manole's forgot to mention this to his wife, whom he may or may not have loved, and she came that morning to bring breakfast to the workers and Manole was forced to sacrifice his own wife by burying her alive within the exterior walls of the cathedral. The mythological site is marked on one of the walls by a red crest. I asked a priest associated with the cathedral if he thinks this story is true. "Well", he explained, "it is a legend and I was not there." I then asked him if in the very distant future the cathedral should be rebuilt does he think that her bones might be found within the walls. "Yes, probably", he answered. A pretty gruesome story. The legendary "burial" location within the walls is indicated by a red engraved inscription. But that is not all.
The prince overheard the Manole workers saying that with their experience they could build an even greater and more beautiful edifice Radu Negru, a rather jealous person, had them stranded on the roof so that they could not come down build something to match or excel his cathedral. So the workers strangely fashioned wooden wings and tried to fly off the roof, but each one as they leaped off the roof fell to their death. Manole, however, it is said was able to fly further but finally fell to his death at a spot some short distance from the cathedral. The spot where he fell is marked by a spring which legend claims issued forth after his fall. Some rather gruesome stories are associated with this most beautiful building.
Also, buried just outside the gate to the monastery grounds is the mausoleum of Princess Anne of Bourbon-Parma, also known as Queen Anne of Romania, who died in August 2016 at the age of 92 in Switzerland.
The Curtea de Arges Monastery, Cathedral and Episcopalian Bishop's residence is a must visit if you are interested in beautiful architecture. Especially if you are interested in religious architecture. The Curtea de Arges Monastery is considered by many as one of the most beautiful monasteries in Romania, if not in all of Europe.
The monastery was founded in the early 16th century by Neagoe Basarab. Vlad Dracul (yes the same one who the Dracula myth is based around) built the primacy of Muntenia here between 1437-1439. Neagoe Basarab pulled down these walls in 1512 and rebuilt the monastery between 1514 and 1517 and was done by the legendary Mesterul Manole (Kőműves Kelemen). A legend relates that Prince Radu Negru employed a Meşterul Manole or Manoli as architect. With Manole being unable to finish the walls, the prince threatened him and his assistants with death. At last Manole suggested that they should follow the ancient custom of placing a living woman into the foundations to ensure completing the building. The story tells that she who first appeared on the following morning should be the victim. The other masons and workers warned their families. Manole's forgot to mention this to his wife, whom he may or may not have loved, and she came that morning to bring breakfast to the workers and Manole was forced to sacrifice his own wife by burying her alive within the exterior walls of the cathedral. The mythological site is marked on one of the walls by a red crest. I asked a priest associated with the cathedral if he thinks this story is true. "Well", he explained, "it is a legend and I was not there." I then asked him if in the very distant future the cathedral should be rebuilt does he think that her bones might be found within the walls. "Yes, probably", he answered. A pretty gruesome story. The legendary "burial" location within the walls is indicated by a red engraved inscription. But that is not all.
The prince overheard the Manole workers saying that with their experience they could build an even greater and more beautiful edifice Radu Negru, a rather jealous person, had them stranded on the roof so that they could not come down build something to match or excel his cathedral. So the workers strangely fashioned wooden wings and tried to fly off the roof, but each one as they leaped off the roof fell to their death. Manole, however, it is said was able to fly further but finally fell to his death at a spot some short distance from the cathedral. The spot where he fell is marked by a spring which legend claims issued forth after his fall. Some rather gruesome stories are associated with this most beautiful building.
Also, buried just outside the gate to the monastery grounds is the mausoleum of Princess Anne of Bourbon-Parma, also known as Queen Anne of Romania, who died in August 2016 at the age of 92 in Switzerland.
Written October 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anktudy
Bucharest, Romania311 contributions
Aug 2012 • Business
One of the most beautiful Romanian monasteries. It is the place where King Carol the 1st of Romania, Queen Elizabeth and King Ferdinand are buried. Amazing architecture and atmosphere.
Written August 27, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J G del Rosario
Manila, Philippines594 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
Curtea de Arges was once the capital of Wallachia and its most famous building was the Episcopal Church (or Curtea de Arges cathedral) built in 1512 within the grounds of the monastery. Its elaborate design feautres two domes and a pair of twisted cupolas with twisted windows set atop a box-like building adorned with tiers of niches and arabesque motifs. According to the legend, the chief architect Manole was forced to entomb his wife in the walls of the church to keep the building from collapsing – popular belief at the time held that ghosts were required to keep buildings from falling down. The builders agreed that whoever’s wife came first would have to be sacrificed. But Manole’s men all warned their wives. So it was only Manole’s wife who arrived, bringing his lunch for him. Upon completion of the building, the church’s patron, Neagoe Basarab, left Manole and his fellow workers on the roof to ensure they never built a greater church. The whole group fell to their deaths attempting to fly using wooden wings made from the roofing shingles. It was also where the tombs of King Carol I and queen Elizabeth, and the next king Ferdinand and wife Maria lay. Outside was the tomb of Ferdinand II. If you're after religious items, don't forget the souvenir shop on the grounds. A really remarkable building, laced by a remarkable legend, and a fantastic retreat from a hectic tour.
Written July 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob L
Calgary, Canada727 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
Curtea de Arges Cathedralis is a Romanian Orthodox Cathedral of exceptional beauty. Originally constructed between 1512 to 1517, it was reconstructed between 1875 to 1885. It was built in the Byzantine style with Moorish arabesques. The exterior is ornate and elaborate, very different from any other churches which we visited. It is one of the most beautiful churches that I have ever seen, well worth having a look at it.
Written November 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melvin F
Kefar Sava, Israel121 contributions
Sep 2016
This is a most beautiful cathedral, situated in one of the most scenic areas of Romania. There are many legends associated with the building of this cathedral, including the death of the architect's wife who was sacrificed to ensure the building success. According to legend she is buried within the exterior walls of the cathedral. Regardless of gory legends, this beautiful architectural structure is well worth a visit.
Written October 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vova K
Tel Aviv, Israel81 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
This monastery is located in Curtea De Arges town which you will cross while passing the southern part of the Trans-Fagarasen road. The church and the monastery are located in the same compound. The church is pretty impressive from the ourside but I wouldn't rank it as a must see. You can see the whole thing in 30 mins and have a lunch on the main street of the town which is right next to the site. The compound has a parking lot in which you need to pay 2 lei for use.
Written October 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
California_momofsix
Fairfield1,123 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
Breathtaking orthodox church, especially at first glance from the outside. The cathedral looks like a silver jewel, every inch of it is stunningly ornamented in great detail and shiny colors. The inside also surprised us, as we discovered that this church was much older than we expected, having been built in the Byzantine style in the 16th century. The church also holds the graves of the kings and queens of Romania, which is particularly interesting if you have already toured their castles at Bran and/or Peles.
The cathedral is surrounded a small beautiful park. Entrance is free, but photography is not allowed unless you purchase a photopass. However, we were charged a parking fee in the lot immediately adjacent to the park (either 10 or 15 lei, I can't remember). There may be free parking other places, but we didn't know the area, this was the most convenient place to park for us.
Don't miss the other small chapel at the end of the park. When we visited, this small room in the monastery was actually in use, with a couple of orthodox priests watching over a handful of respectful tourists and praying worshipers.
The cathedral is surrounded a small beautiful park. Entrance is free, but photography is not allowed unless you purchase a photopass. However, we were charged a parking fee in the lot immediately adjacent to the park (either 10 or 15 lei, I can't remember). There may be free parking other places, but we didn't know the area, this was the most convenient place to park for us.
Don't miss the other small chapel at the end of the park. When we visited, this small room in the monastery was actually in use, with a couple of orthodox priests watching over a handful of respectful tourists and praying worshipers.
Written September 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mischelinka
Slovakia55 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
very nice orthodox church, also the surrounding areas are nice for a walk, been here during winter so it was under snow though
Written January 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hallo herdezz,
Vielen dank für deine anfrage, da ich mit einem freund
der rumänisch spricht unterwegs war, kann ich nichts
dazu sagen...... aber spanisch eher nicht evtl. englisch.....
gute reise !!!!!
Written June 19, 2018
Hi, Maria. What would you like to know about this attraction? What is the best way of transportation if you are coming from Bucharest? is renting a car a good idea or taking a mini-bus a better way to get there? any other sites nearby worth of seeing? we were told to stop in Targoviste. Thanks for all your help
Written March 22, 2017
We rented a car. That way you can visit the beautiful sites along the way, once you get out of the Bucharest area.
Written March 24, 2017
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